Minister Killeen presents FÁS Mid-West National Craft Certificates

Mr Tony Killeen T.D. Minister for Labour Affairs at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Friday 25^th November 2005) presented FÁS Mid-West National Craft Certificates at a graduation ceremony for Apprentices held at the South Court Hotel, Limerick.

“Today marks the completion of a four-year comprehensive apprenticeship that is recognised both at home and abroad as one of the best in the world and it is only fitting that we should celebrate your success with a graduation. It is a special day also for your employers, your parents and family and the many training and educational personnel who have guided and helped you during your apprenticeship”, the Minister said.

FÁS has overall responsibility for the statutory based apprentice training system in Ireland and it is the largest and most expensive of its training programmes. Apprentices are recruited by employers, and are required to be registered with FÁS within 2 weeks of recruitment. FÁS and the Department of Education and Science then assume responsibility for the provision of off the job training. No limit is placed on the numbers of apprentices registered.

The new Standard Based Apprenticeship was launched in 1993 and subsequently extended on a phased basis to 24 designated trades by 1995. It replaced the old time served system which existed up to that time. There are twenty-four active trades, the three most popular being Electrical, Carpentry/Joinery and Plumbing which between them account for over 60% of all apprenticeships.

“The modern Irish Apprenticeship System is a tremendous success with 28,000 apprentices currently in training. This success can be gauged by the achievements of Irish apprentices in the World Skills Competition down through the years. For example, this year in Helsinki, Ireland came seventh in the World, winning Gold, Silver, Bronze and Certificates of Distinction”. Some of to-day’s recipients will one day have their own business, while others may decide to work abroad for a period.   Whatever direction they choose, the testimonial that they receive today has both national and international recognition, an achievement second to none”.   The Minister continued

“The National Craft Certificate is a very valuable qualification and it will provide a sound foundation on which to build a successful career – you should be very proud to have achieved it. I extend to each of you my best wishes for a successful career”, the Minister concluded.

ENDS

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